Gateway FAQ

Short answers for this travel guide: stamps, SIMs, airports, cash, and the first week. Coasts and park fees live on Land & Sea. Temples and the calendar live on People & Spirit. The table lives on Table & Bazaar.

How do I extend, and what if I overstay?

Extension at immigration is about 1,900 THB for 30 days. Overstay is 500 THB per day, cap 20,000 THB. Presenting yourself is better than being caught. Do not collect overstay as a strategy. Visa & entry.

When should I go?

Cool and dry (roughly November–February) is the easiest first trip. Rain does not close the country; it closes boats on the wet coast. Andaman is typically kinder Nov–Apr; Gulf islands often work better May–Sep. October is a hinge. When to visit and Which coast.

BKK or DMK?

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) are different airports. Low-cost often uses DMK. They are not a free transfer. Check the ticket before the hotel. First week.

Is Bangkok a necessary start?

It is the hub. You can leave the same day. Three nights is enough to learn the BTS and eat. Seven is enough to stop treating it as a layover. Bangkok and First week.

Cash or card?

Both. 7-Eleven ATMs work; fees add up (Thai foreign-ATM fee plus your bank — withdraw less often). Street food and many park gates are cash. PromptPay is not a tourist tool; you need a Thai bank account. Money and SIM.

SIM or eSIM?

AIS, True, or dtac. Airport or shop, passport scan. Tourist packs typically run 8–15 days of data in the hundreds of baht — verify at the kiosk in 2026; we will not invent a fake 299 THB SKU. Keep the UK number for bank texts. Top-up at 7-Eleven. Money and SIM.

Is it safe?

Petty theft and traffic are the real risks. Motorbikes the afternoon you land are how people meet the clinic. Temple dress and the monarchy are culture, not optional flavour. Health & safety, Etiquette, Temple etiquette.

Can I do both coasts in the first week?

You can collect minivans. You will not have a holiday. Pick one sea. Which coast.

What belongs in the first 7-Eleven run?

Water, a rice box (commonly 45–69 THB), maybe Mama (15–30 THB). Beer only in the 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–midnight windows, and not on major Buddhist holy days. 7-Eleven meals.